Oglesby Summer Fun Fest invites the kids out to play

Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 11:00 a.m. CST

OGLESBY — The Oglesby Summer Fun Fest grounds will likely be swarmed by children of all ages June 26-29. Whether visiting the carnival, riding a pony, joining the Rhythm Revolution during Kids Party in the Park, taking in a concert or watching the fireworks display, there are many family friendly opportunities throughout the festival for children to play in a fun and safe environment.

Back by popular demand, the North American Midway will be back with its carnival. Featuring plenty of rides, games and delicious fair food, children can enjoy an afternoon or evening running from attraction to attraction. Food booth and carnival hours will be from 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, from 1 to 11 p.m. and from 1 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets will be available at carnival ticket booths. There will be no presales. A $20 wristband for unlimited rides during either the afternoon or evening will be available along with individual tickets.

The popular Party in the Park is returning this year at 1:30 p.m. June 28. This year children will experience a Summer Safari by traveling only as far as the festival grounds near Oglesby pool. Party in the Park is an afternoon packed with free activities for youngsters made possible by the generosity of local sponsors. At the center of this year’s Party is special guest Rhythm Revolution, a drum circle group that will teach safari guests to jam in the jungle. Other offerings include free face painting, glitter tattoos, rain stick craft and a visit by Ronald McDonald. Vermillion River Photography will once again set up a photo booth for a one-of-a-kind memento.

The festival will close with a huge fireworks display sponsored by Illinois Valley Cellular. Families are invited to bring along chairs or picnic blankets to view the display. Immediately preceding the fireworks families will be entertained by the Big Fun Band. Featuring Jake and Elwood direct from Statesville Prison and arriving in the famous Bluesmobile, Jake & Elwood will hit the stage with their friends including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Cab Calloway impersonators.

In addition to the main attractions, children can also visit a petting zoo, ride a pony, visit Bosco the Clown, listen to the Serendipity Band, enjoy free ice cream sundaes, watch the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic team, cheer on the fire department during water fights, touch a reptile at Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles, find inexpensive books at the friends of the library used book sale and much more. For a complete schedule of events and additional information, visit www.oglesbyfunfest.com.